Villagers in Midapalli, in the Gadchiroli District of India’s Maharashtra State, demolished the homes of four Christian families on 12 January, amid a continued campaign of threats and violence targeting the village’s Christian community.
Tensions arose on 11 January when villagers confronted the four families and two others – collectively numbering around 25 people – and demanded that they renounce their faith. Despite receiving death threats, the families refused to comply.
The following day a mob of approximately 20 villagers attacked the families, again demanding that the victims renounce their faith, and proceeding to demolish the houses of four families when they once again refused to comply.
On 13 January the victims attempted to make a complaint at the Kavande Police Station in a nearby village. However, instead of providing support, the police officers sided with the villagers. The officer in charge threatened the Christian families, questioning their decision to embrace Christianity as members of a tribal community and warning that their unique identity cards and ration supplies would be cancelled. This further emboldened the villagers, who continued to issue death threats towards the family.
On 14 January the police summoned the local pastor for questioning about his work. During the questioning, officers declared that his ministry was 'andhashradha' (superstition) and prohibited him from visiting families in the village.
At the time of writing, the affected families remain in their demolished homes, without proper shelter, whilst continuing to face threats to their safety. The remote location has hindered timely assistance, leaving them in a state of significant hardship and vulnerability amid harsh winter conditions. In response, the six targeted families and other Christians in the village have planned to escalate the matter by approaching the District Collector for intervention.
CSW’s Founder President Mervyn Thomas said: ‘It is deeply concerning to witness the grave and unacceptable assault and humiliation these families have been subjected to on account of their religion. Even more alarming is the failure of the police to protect these vulnerable citizens, which has emboldened the perpetrators. We call upon the district administration and state authorities to intervene as matter of urgency, ensuring the safety of the affected families, restoring their rights, compensating them for the loss of their homes, and holding those responsible to account under the law.’